So Verizon is trying to get subscribers to shift from router based parental and access controls to some software overlay system. I’m thinking this adds overhead, reduces speed, and risks sharing too much data with Mcafee.

I have not looked at the full McAfee product in detail nor am I am FIOS subscriber, but these days you need to have multiple layers of Internet security per security experts. Anti-virus by itself does not cut it. Some additional security tools, Malwarebytes Premium https://www.malwarebytes.com/products/ with web, exploit, malware, and ransomware protections and SpyShelter https://www.spyshelter.com/ with keylogging, your keystrokes are encrypted, screen, and webcam protections can be added on top of your existing anti-virus software, which I have been doing for years, and the price is well worth it vs. cleaning up an identity theft situation. Also for free browser addons - Malwwarebytes for downloads protection, a web site advisor (green, yellow, red, not perfect, but better than nothing), and ScriptSafe available for Firefox and Chrome which blocks scripts running on website except those you allow (initial setup takes some time). Also updating your software is important, SUMo updater (free or paid) is very good, your Windows updates, and updating your security software. I also have a wired router, better than a Wifi router even with passowrd protection, per security experts where I used to work, and my email with advanced Sieve filtering (fastmail.com) where have only received less than 25 spam emails in the last two years. Also common sense, not opening unknown emails, attachments, or weblinks, and a dose of prayer goes a long way.

If using a smartphone, the layered security is not there yet, so I avoid sharing sensitive information there, such as SSN, date of birth, logging into bank accounts, debit card number, but credit cards are ok (if CC hacked, more easily fixed).

Up a crick Wrote:
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> So Verizon is trying to get subscribers to shift
> from router based parental and access controls to
> some software overlay system. I’m thinking this
> adds overhead, reduces speed, and risks sharing
> too much data with Mcafee.
>
> Any thoughts from the tech crowd?

Yes, security software does reduce speed, not too badly, and has some overhead, but the tradeoff is you getting hacked and have to rebuild your computer from an infection or worse getting your identity stolen and cleaning up that situation. As far as sharing information with McAfee, https://www.mcafee.com/enterprise/en-us/about/legal/privacy.html which need to read as everyone's preferences are different what wish to share.

Up a crick Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So Verizon is trying to get subscribers to shift
> from router based parental and access controls to
> some software overlay system. I’m thinking this
> adds overhead, reduces speed, and risks sharing
> too much data with Mcafee.
>
> Any thoughts from the tech crowd?

No, I don't think it's worth it. Just replace the DNS settings on your router with OPENDNS and you'll basically get the same thing for free.

Not a fan of McAfee. They try to me all things to all people and they're just too sloppy. They are not super popular in the business world. IT Security is becoming very competitive and that's a good thing.